Boulder, Colo., April 7, 2008 -- -She looks like a Labrador retriever, but acts like a German shepherd. Bridget, a mixed-breed dog, was protective of her new owners, and they wanted to know the breeds in her ancestry. The results of a new canine DNA analysis test told them Bridget's past.

"We adopted Bridget from the Humane Society of Boulder Valley, but she was originally from a shelter in Florida, where her records were destroyed in a hurricane," said Maryanne Mattson, manager of Broadway Animal Hospital in Boulder. "We were guessing at breeds, and I thought if we knew what she was made of, it would give us some information about her personality and we could help her more."

Broadway Animal Hospital offers the Wisdom Panel Mixed Breed Analysis, a comprehensive DNA-based mixed breed test for dogs. The test identifies more than 130 AKC-recognized breeds that may be present in mixed breed dogs. Results are available about two weeks after a blood test.

The report reveals any breed greater than 12 percent in a dog, and describes the characteristics and personality traits of each breed and where it originated. "Honestly, I thought maybe she had some Staffordshire terrier in her, but she does not," said Mattson. Bridget's ancestry includes Airedale terrier, Chow Chow, Irish setter, Dachshund, German shepherd and Labrador retriever.

Lee Woods, veterinarian and hospital director of Broadway Animal Hospital, says that knowing the breeds in your dog's heritage can help you in other areas, such as health care and training. "The breed analysis can be useful for owners to better understand their dogs' behaviors, and can also alert veterinarians to possible health issues," said Woods.

Mattson says she's more understanding about Bridget's fear of strangers now. "I have a greater appreciation for her. I'm proud that she's taking care of our family because that's part of her breeding," she said.

Broadway Animal Hospital is accredited by the American Animal Hospital Association and provides immunization and wellness care, surgery, dental care, nutritional counseling, pet massage, pain management and euthanasia services. Pet day care, boarding, and grooming services are also available. For more information about Broadway Animal Hospital or the Wisdom Panel Mixed Breed Analysis, visit http://www.broadwayanimal.com or http://www.myspace.com/drlee80305 , call 303-499-5505, or stop by the hospital located at 1405 S. Broadway in Boulder.

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